Community Projects Get the Nod

The wait is finally over for South Hams communities that applied to the Community Re-investment Project Fund.

Eight community infrastructure projects received a big thumbs up from South Hams District Council, to be allocated money from its Community Re-Investment Projects Fund.

The Fund, which was launched in October 2013, supports community infrastructure projects. It was created using the New Homes Bonus from recent developments, supporting applications from a variety of town and parish councils, as well as voluntary and community groups in areas where the developments are taking place.

Members of the Executive Committee met on 1 February 2018 to decide which community projects to fund. There were a range of applications totalling almost £350,000, which included a cinema, playground, several refurbishments, and even a car park.

Cllr Hilary Bastone, Portfolio Holder for Customer First at South Hams District Council said: "All of the projects were worthy of funding but because there was only £153 900 in the kitty, a tough decision had to be made to choose only eight. Each project was chosen based on community need, whether it provides or improves community infrastructure, and also based on whether there is support for the project from the community.

"Since the Fund began in 2013, it has supported over 25 projects from a variety of voluntary and community groups across the South Hams. The number of applications and enthusiasm from our communities reflect the importance of maintaining and improving community infrastructure in our South Hams towns and villages."